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BMA CQ Rescue crews have completed a test landing at the newly refurbished Mackay Base Hospital helipad as the facility moves closer to becoming operational. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue
BMA CQ Rescue crews have responded to a string of medical emergencies including a near-drowning at Hardy Reef and a horse fall near Proserpine.
The community-funded aeromedical service said its crews were tasked to multiple incidents throughout the week, supporting patients across the region and beyond.
A male patient involved in a near-drowning at Hardy Reef Pontoon was winched by the rescue helicopter and transported to Mackay Base Hospital.
The crew also responded to several cardiac-related incidents from Emerald and Bowen to Mackay, as well as a horse fall near Proserpine, with the patient transported to Mackay Base Hospital.
A mother and child were also retrieved from Hamilton Island, with the child requiring assessment for a suspected chest infection.
The team was additionally tasked to Owens Creek following an incident in which a patient sustained burns.
The patient was treated by the BMA CQ Rescue team before being transported by road to Mackay Base Hospital.
The busy week also saw an important milestone for Mackay's aeromedical services, with the crew completing a test landing and take-off at the newly refurbished Mackay Base Hospital helipad.
BMA CQ Rescue said the test was an important step towards the helipad becoming operational and the return of aeromedical retrievals to Mackay Base Hospital.
The service continues to rely on community support to maintain its emergency response capability across the region.
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